Batting

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.- The Harvard (10-12, 4-2 Ivy) softball team finalized a sweep in the series against Brown (8-13, 1-5 Ivy) after tabbing two wins on the doubleheader day. The squad picked up a 2-0 victory in the first contest followed by another 6-2 success.

Game 1, W; 2-0

In a defensive battle between the two teams, Harvard notched the first and only scores of the game in the bottom of the first. Getting off to a hot start, Rhianna Rich scorched one through the left side for a single before using her speed to move ahead 60 more feet. Now with runners in scoring position after a Meagan Lantz fielder's choice and stolen base, Morgan Melito drove home the awaiting runners from a shot to center.

The remainder of the game, both sides held each other scoreless despite a strong effort from the Crimson in the bottom of the fifth and sixth. In the circle, Katie Duncan paved the way for her defense with routine plays for back-to-back three-up-three-down innings while the game ending double play in a five-four-three fashion sealed the win.

Game 2, W; 6-2

In its final contest of the weekend, the Crimson clinched a sweep over the Bears with a more offensive strategy in the second matchup. As the Bears rounded the bases for the first tallies of the game, Harvard responded with five runs in the bottom of the first. Once again, Rhianna Rich began things for the offense reaching second base on an error before Trina Hoang dropped the bunt for a hit and allowed Rich to advance to third.

The scoring rally began with Lantz's single through the left bringing in Rich followed by a Melito RBI single through the left side. Erin Lockhart kept the momentum for the back-to-back RBI single through the left side to bring in an awaiting Lantz. Tacking on another run, the Crimson entered the second with a three-run lead. Harvard extended its lead with senior co-captain launched one over the center-field wall to record her second career home run. Capitlizing on the momentum, Alissa Hiener collected the save when she delivered three straight outs to her defense.

Harvard Highlights

Senior Katie Duncan collected her first shut out of the season with the 2-0 win in the morning contest. Additionally, the left-handed pitcher added three strikeouts to her pocket, while allowing only two batters to reach base on a walk.

Fellow classmate Kaitlyn Schiffhauer collected her first home run of the season, second career, with a sixth inning shot over the wall during the second game of the day.

Sophomore Morgan Melito delivered at least one RBI in each game appearance.

Up NextBefore another Ancient Eight matchup, the Crimson head to Holy Cross for an in-state mid-week game on Tuesday, April, 6 at 4:30 p.m. Broadcast will air on the Patriot League Network.